It embarrasses my daughter when I say it in lowered tones just before eating anything, but it doesn't embarrass me.
My arguement is you thank your wife/husband when they make you something to eat, so why shouldn't you thank God for what's in front of you before tucking in. After all, He is the one who provides us with more than we need - tens of millions have nothing, and it takes just five seconds.
Its the same as when I eat out. I don't make a big thing of it so the somebody will say: "Ooh, look Mavis - there's a Christian." because I say it in hushed tones without closing my hands - I just have them ajar as if I'm savouring what's in front of me. Nobody can hear what is being said above the noise anyway. To me, it is as natural as thanking your wife when she makes you a cup of tea. A fellow Brother in Christ automatically said Amen as I finished, and then we got back to what we were talking about and thoroughly enjoyed our meals. If a Muslim wished to thank his God before he started a meal I'd think nothing of it. It certainly wouldn't embarrass me. We all said Grace before our meals at school - they've probably dispensed with that now in the name of political correctness, but I certainly don't "knuckle under. I proudly display a chromium plated fish on the back of my car, and wear a fish on my jacket when I eat out in a restaurant.
As the words go in that great hymn: "Stand up! Stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the Cross. Lift high the mighty bannar, it must not suffer loss ..."
